The dwarf planet was discovered in 1930 and was named by an 11-year-old girl child
As we are well aware, Pluto, which was once considered the ninth planet of our Solar System, is no longer considered a planet. However, the majority aren't aware of the reason behind Pluto's reclassification as a dwarf planet.
Discovered in 1930, Pluto was named after the Roman god of the underworld by Venetia Burney of Oxford, England, who was only 11 years old.
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet.
The 2006 IAU Resolution stated, "A dwarf planet is an object in orbit around the Sun that is large enough to pull itself into a nearly round shape but has not been able to clear its orbit of debris."
The IAU also stated that given that Pluto is located in a part known as the Trans-Neptunian region (beyond Neptune), other objects might enter Pluto's orbit.
For the record, Pluto has a temperature of -232°C, with the atmosphere mainly comprising nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide. Therefore, it is too cold to sustain any form of life.
